This paper is valuable in gaining an understanding of issues in the lives of families worldwide where there is a member with a disability, although the authors stress that every family is unique. The paper includes a section on disability and discrimination, citing additional factors which lead to discrimination (such as belonging to a minority ethnic group). Implications for policy and practice are outlined, together with general principles on which to base support through the life cycle. The paper concludes that what people with disabilities and their families most want is to have the same access and rights as their non-disabled friends and neighbours. Keywords: Cross cultural, Families